Christmas | ‘Alternative To Chocolate’ Advent Calendar List

It’s getting so, so close to the full on Christmas countdown now that I simply can’t wait any longer to tell you guys about my top ten best, alternative to chocolate advent calendars. Not everyone wants a chocolate a day or can have chocolate every day so I think it’s really lovely that advent calendars are kind of moving away from the ‘traditional’ chocolate advent calendar and are branching into new territories to satisfy all generations.

1) Kellogg’s Cereal Advent Calendar

‘Kellogg’s?’ I hear you say. Yes people that’s right! A little nostalgia goes a long way. I remember, as a kid, buying the variety 8 packs of these cereals in miniature form but Kellogg’s have gone one better to give you 24 of them. Exclusive to Tesco this advent calendar is only £4.

I have actually bought this just because I think it’s about time I started introducing my boys to cereal. I don’t think they’ve ever had a cold breakfast and I think this might be the best way to get them excited about it. Don’t get me wrong, they’ll probably get a chocolate one as well but choosing a cereal AND getting chocolate afterwards when they eat it all up? As Tony the Tiger would say.. ‘they’re grrrrr-eat’.

2) Pork Scratchings*

One word. Yum. Got a family member who loves sitting down the pub and pulling a pack of pork scratchings down from the hanger at the bar? They’ll LOVE this crack-l-ing one from Prezzybox for £17.99. While it’s probably not considered a socially acceptable early morning snack, there’s nothing wrong with getting to enjoy a packet of these every day.

It’s around A3 in size, which is absolutely huge, and behind each door is a mini bag of pork scratchings. The only thing you’ll be left wondering is what flavour you’re going to get.

I’ll tell you now that there are six; low and slow BBQ, salt and vinegar, maple, black pepper and sea salt, pigs in blankets and perfectly salted.

The fun doesn’t stop there though, see if you can crack the puzzle on the back while you’re eating a pack! Tastes just like pigs in blankets. Oink, oink. Which flavour do you like the sound of?

3) Niederegger

Ok so this isn’t *completely* non chocolate but it’s less chocolate than normal. Immerse yourself in this super luxury large ‘Café’ advent calendar from Niederegger. While this is not available yet, you’ll be able to buy it from Selfridges for £33.

Niederegger have amassed a worldwide reputation when it comes to their marzipan since being founded in 1806. You’ll not miss out on this calendar which is packed with 32 windows of marzipan, nougat and praline and is certainly a more ‘grown up’ advent calendar. I’m all over the praline ones – delicious!

4) Heart and Home*

Christmas is one of the best times of the year to burn candles, wouldn’t you agree? Cosy nights, a hot drink and a candle burning in the background, you simply can’t go wrong. Heart and Home have created this gorgeous smelling advent calendar that you’ll be able to enjoy all through December for only £19.99.

This super festive advent calendar with sparkly, snowy rooftops on the front comes with 24 doors and 26 candles in total. Each candle comes in one of six fragrances – Christmas Night, Sugar & Spice, Christmas Spirit, Christmas Tree, Snow Angel, Waiting for Santa – and has a burn time of up to 6 hours.

These candles smell sensational and really give off the ‘smell’ of Christmas – think warm, rich and deep. There’s no better way to countdown to Christmas with candles if you’re a fragrance lover like me.

12 Days Of Beauty*

At only £9.99 you can’t go wrong with a bit of beauty. These are perfect for those tweens who love a bit of pampering – I know I’d have been over the moon with one of these when I was just coming into my own and started taking proper care of my appearance.

Gin

I’ve only recently found out I’m a bit of a gin lover, although not as much as one of my best friend’s Chantal, and I just know she would love a gin advent calendar this year. We all love a bit of a tipple before, during and after the festive period, right?

Why not explore lots of different gins this Christmas by opening a new one each day. Have it before breakfast if you really must but a nice gin in front of the TV after a long day is exactly the best time to have it. This one from John Lewis is pretty pricey at £100 but it’s so, so pretty and there are 25 gins inside!

Mad Beauty*

Who doesn’t love a bit of make up? You could double up with the 12 days of Christmas Mad Beauty one above and, after a pampering session, get your glad rags on ahead of a Christmas night out. With products like lip stick, powder, eye shadow and blusher, you’ll be well and truly set for the festive period with this super lovely Mad Beauty advent calendar.

It comes in classic gold or black and pink. Which one will you choose? It’s a bargain at £16.99!

Fragrance

If perfume is your thing then Superdrug have this 12 days of Christmas perfume advent available and right now it’s only half price at £12! If you love the perfume then you’ve found something you like for around a £1 but if it’s not your thing, they make for great stocking fillers, don’t you think?

Elf For Christmas*

A box of 24 envelopes, each of which contain a letter for each day of the advent from an Elf at the North Pole. Find out what the elves have been getting up to and read the story together. I can’t wait to hide these up with our very own elf from last year!

Toys

There are so, so many toy ones available at the moment, especially for the kids. Sure, there’s Lego ones but if your kids are car mad try this 24 window one from Hot Wheels or if they’re a bit younger perhaps this VTech Toot-Toot Animals advent will be more suitable?